Jasper was an SPCA rescue found wandering the streets with another dog as a four-month-old. Janine adopted both of them. They moved to suburbia with a big garden and a kennel on a deep verandah. They slept by the fire in winter, enjoyed chewing bones and barked at the neighbour’s dogs through a gap in the wall.
Jasper was never an easy dog, even though he clearly had some Ridgeback in the mix. He was always on high alert, temperamental, flighty and not very brave. His confidence was fragile, and he was easily frightened. He was happy at home, and as long as he was with his sister Savannah, he was fine.
As he matured he settled down but was easily upset by changes in his environment. Contractors, loud noises and thunderstorms aggravated his nervous disposition. He needed calming remedies to help him regain his equilibrium.
Like many dogs, he was super happy when the lockdown happened, and his pet parents were home all day. Both dogs enjoyed the attention. But when things started opening up, and his parents left home for several hours at a time – Jasper suddenly couldn't cope. He had terrible separation anxiety.
He was distraught and tried to escape from the garden by breaking through the metal gate. He did this several times over the months. Initially, we wondered if he had gotten a fright, but each time it seemed to happen out of the blue.
His injuries got worse as the vet balls got higher.
Eventually, it was clear. Nothing was working. The situation was becoming untenable. Someone had to be home with him, or he got upset and tried to escape and hurt himself. The vet supplied medication, but it wasn't much help.
His dog-mom was at her wit's end. To make matters worse, they were planning on emigrating. His sister had a home lined up for her. But how would Jasper cope? It wouldn't be fair to expect him to manage with so much change while he was emotionally unstable and easily upset.
His dog-mom made the difficult decision to release him from his body. It was heartbreaking for everyone. Jasper was dearly loved, but his struggle to cope as his mental health deteriorated was hard to watch.
His dog mom was devastated. She felt like she had let him down.
These things are never easy. Choosing to euthanise an animal we love, no matter the circumstances is the HARDEST DECISION YOU WILL MAKE. Making the decision is one thing, but living with the emotions afterwards is another altogether.
His mom initially felt a gentle feeling of peace and relief.
Relief that her boy wouldn't be fretting and being so anxious every time she left him alone. Relief not having to worry about his safety. Relief that he was free from the anxiety that made life so challenging.
But she also felt guilty at taking the easy way out for euthanising a relatively young and healthy dog with so many years ahead of him. He had trusted her, but she felt she had let him down. She felt terrible.
She asked me for help. She could not stop crying and feeling like she had done the wrong thing.
First, we slowed everything down. I had Janine sit quietly with her hand on her heart and connect with her breath. I encouraged her to feel Jasper’s energy without all the stormy emotions – just to connect to his essence.
From this peaceful place, I could coach her around her decision to a place of acceptance.
I reminded Janine why she made the decision in the first place. It was in the best interest of her animal friend. This dog was struggling to cope in his day-to-day life. He would have required many resources – time and money for therapy and medication to help him manage. There was no guarantee we were going to be successful.
It seemed unlikely that he would cope in a new home with a new family. It was a lot to ask of a dog who was so highly strung and volatile.
I helped Janine see that her heart and mind could benefit by allowing a peaceful outcome. By honouring Jasper and his life, she could accept that she had given him the best chance at happiness. By acknowledging his limitations, Jasper could be released from his body.
Jasper and Janine's relationship could continue energetically with gratitude for his life, energy, and beautiful spirit.
If you are struggling with the loss of your animal friend, you're welcome to get in touch for coaching and bereavement counselling. This includes an intuitive check-in with your pet, and remote healing for the situation.
Please enquire about other packages I have available.
